SINGAPORE — What began as an attempt to deposit S$150,000 into a casino account at Marina Bay Sands reportedly took a dramatic turn after a cashier spotted one suspicious detail on a single S$100 note.
Singapore police said two Chinese nationals—a 33-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman—are set to be charged over their suspected involvement in a conspiracy to counterfeit Singapore currency notes.
According to police, the case began at about 3.50am on August 24, when the man allegedly handed S$150,000 in cash to a cage cashier at the Marina Bay Sands Casino and asked for the money to be deposited into his casino account.
But while counting the cash, the cashier allegedly discovered that one of the S$100 Portrait Series notes had the word “COPY” printed on it.
That discovery triggered a police report—and what investigators said they found next raised even more questions.
Woman Allegedly Seen Leaving Hotel Room With Printer
Officers from Singapore’s Central Police Division and Commercial Affairs Department escorted the man to his hotel room, where police said they saw a woman leaving with a printer.
A subsequent search reportedly uncovered 121 suspected counterfeit S$100 notes, along with items believed to be counterfeiting tools, including bottled ink, paper and a paper cutter.
The two suspects are expected to face charges of engaging in a conspiracy to counterfeit Singapore currency notes. If convicted of the alleged offence, they could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine, according to CNA and The Straits Times.
A Reminder That One Suspicious Note Can Unravel a Bigger Case
The incident underscores the high stakes surrounding counterfeit currency in Singapore, where authorities have consistently taken a tough stance against the production, possession and use of fake banknotes.
Counterfeit-related cases have surfaced in Singapore before, including previous investigations involving fake S$100 notes. Singapore authorities have warned that counterfeiting offences can carry severe penalties, while the Monetary Authority of Singapore advises the public not to use currency they suspect is fake and to report it to the police.
For ordinary members of the public, the advice is straightforward: do not try to spend a suspected counterfeit note. Limit handling of it, keep it in its existing condition where possible, and report the matter to the authorities.
The Bigger Question: How Many More Could Be Out There?
For now, the case remains under the legal process, and the allegations against the two individuals have yet to be proven in court.
But the sequence of events has already captured attention: S$150,000 in cash, one note allegedly marked “COPY,” a police escort to a hotel room, and 121 suspected counterfeit notes allegedly found afterward.
The investigation may have started with just one suspicious bill—but the bigger question now is whether that single discovery was the end of the story, or only the beginning.
This is a developing case. Updates will depend on the outcome of court proceedings and any further information released by Singapore authorities.
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